Wash system, method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wash apparatus is provided. The wash apparatus includes a body including a contact surface to contact an article to be cleaned and a gripping surface grippable by a user, wherein the body includes at least one lobe portion and at least one tapered portion, and wherein the gripping surface includes a grip mechanism for securing a hand of the user to the wash apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/781,504, filed Mar. 9, 2006, and entitled WASH SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS. The entirety of the above listed provisional application is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to systems, methods and apparatuses for cleaning. In some embodiments, systems, methods and apparatuses are provided including a self-contained wash system, for cleaning surfaces, such as, but not limited to a vehicle cleaning.

BACKGROUND

Traditional vehicle wash methods generally entail using a scrubbing device such as a sponge or mitt, often having a rectangular shape, with soap and water to clean the surface of a vehicle. When attempting to clean a narrow area, such as the seam of a door or the spoke of a wheel, a rectangular-shaped sponge or other broad scrubbing device may be required to be highly compressed or distorted to fit the space and scrubbing may be difficult. Moreover, the scrubbing device may be too broad to suitably clean the narrow area.

Furthermore, prior wash methods require soap to be repeatedly applied to the surface of the vehicle or the like. To apply the soap the scrubbing device is typically dipped repeatedly into a soap and water solution. Over time, the repeated dipping of the scrubbing device into the soap and water solution may cause the soap solution to become soiled with for example dirt and debris from the scrubbing device, for example. As such, when the scrubbing device is applied to the surface of the vehicle soiling substances may be reapplied to the surface, thus inhibiting cleaning of the vehicle.

Further, with some prior wash methods a soiling substance (e.g. dirt, grime, particulates, etc.) may become caught in the surface of the scrubbing device. As washing progresses, the soiling substance may build up on the surface of the scrubbing device causing added friction when scrubbing the vehicle's surface, which in turn, may reduce the effectiveness of the scrubbing device to clean the surface. Prolonged use of the soiled scrubbing device may eventually result in scratching of the vehicle's surface. To avoid scratching the vehicle's surface the scrubbing device may require continued rinsing to clean the surface of the scrubbing device.

SUMMARY

A wash apparatus is provided. The wash apparatus includes a body including a contact surface to contact an article to be cleaned and a gripping surface grippable by a user, wherein the body includes at least one lobe portion and at least one tapered portion, and wherein the gripping surface includes a grip mechanism for securing a hand of the user to the wash apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which the like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the wash system of the present disclosure with example attachment materials provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the wash system of the present disclosure with example fluid materials provided.

FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a cleaning surface with dirt particles.

FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a cleaning surface using the wash system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart describing a vehicle wash process using the wash system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is front view of another embodiment of the wash system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the wash system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a fluid dispensing canister used in the wash system of FIG. 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wash systems, apparatus and methods are described below. Although the wash systems, methods and apparatus are described in one example in regards to cleaning of vehicles, it should be appreciated that such wash systems, methods and apparatus may be used in a variety of environments, including, but not limited to, health fields, home and industrial cleaning, animal care, etc.

An exemplary embodiment of a w ash system of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, wash apparatus 100 includes a front or contact side having surface 102 and a back or grip side 104. Contact surface 102 may be configured to contact or engage a surface of an article to be cleaned. Back or grip side 104 may be configured to be grippable by a user. Further, the grip surface may include a grip mechanism configured to enable a user to grip the wash system. In some embodiments, the grip mechanism may secure the hand of a user to the grip surface of the wash apparatus. Further, in some embodiments, the grip mechanism may facilitate connection of one or more extension attachments for operation by a user, including poles, handles, extenders, or the like.

In one example, the contact surface of the wash apparatus may include curved edges that may gradually recede or taper along a gradient so that the curved edges may be shaped to fit into gaps, crevices, and other narrow areas of a vehicle's surface. The tapered edges may improve surface contact with the side walls of the narrow areas. Accordingly, with the disclosed wash apparatus narrow areas may be efficiently cleaned without substantial distortion of the wash system.

Furthermore, in some embodiments the contact surface may include one or more ridges extending away from the contact surface. Further, the contact surface may include at least one tapered portion. In some embodiments, the tapered portion may taper to form a point. In other embodiments, the tapered portion may have a conical and/or frustum shape. Other edges of the contact surface may be curved. Such edges may be configured to enable a user to adapt the wash apparatus for specific surfaces. For example, contoured edges of the contact surface may facilitate cleaning along fins, windows, door jams, and other vehicle body features.

In some embodiments the shape of the wash system may have a contact surface with a plurality of pointed edges. The pointed edges may have various degrees of sharpness configured to clean various angles and crevices without scratching a vehicle's surface. As an example, the shaped or pointed edges of a contact surface of a wash apparatus may be used for cleaning narrow gaps such as door seams, window ledges, or the edge of a hood or trunk. The shape of the contact surface may also be used for cleaning angular areas such as in a front grill or bumper, in the spokes of a wheel, under trim, or any other angular area of a vehicle's surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface may be any soft, durable material that is conducive to removing soiling substances and retaining moisture during cleaning. Exemplary materials, include, but are not limited to, lamb's wool, chamois, terry cloth, synthetic fiber, microfiber, or other suitable material.

Continuing with FIG. 1, various task specific attachments may be provided and may be attached or integrated within wash system 100. For example, an optional task attachment 106 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in dashed lines) may be removably coupled to contact surface 102 of wash apparatus 100 to perform at least one desired task. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the task attachment may be integrated or permanently coupled to the contact surface.

Task specific attachment 106 may be configured to extend across at least a portion of contact surface 102. Note that some attachments may extend across substantially the entire contact surface. Task attachment 106 may be secured to wash system 100 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the task attachment may include an elastic liner along the edge of the attachment that may tighten around the contact surface or edge of the wash system via tension of the elastic liner. In some embodiments, the attachment may be secured via various clasps, buttons, straps, zippers, loop and hook fasteners or any other similar securing mechanisms. The wash apparatus may be configured to conceal the securing mechanisms away from the contact surface so that scratching of an article's surface by the securing mechanism during cleaning may be prevented. For example, the securing mechanisms may be located on the back side of the wash apparatus.

In the illustrated embodiment task attachment 106 may be used, removed, and replaced depending on the nature of the task. A variety of examples of task attachments are shown at 130. Specifically, wash attachment 132 may be secured to the wash system for the purpose of washing a surface. When the task is completed the attachment may be removed and replaced with a different attachment, for example, drying attachment 134 to dry the surface. In some cases, task attachment 106 may be washable. Alternatively, in some cases, task attachment 106 may be disposable.

Attachments may have different types of surfaces that vary from rough to smooth depending on the nature of the task and the area to which the wash system is applied. An attachment with a rough surface may be used to clean an untreated surface that is less likely to become scratched. An attachment with a smooth surface may be used to clean a painted or chrome surface that is more prone to becoming scratched. Polish attachment 136 may be used to polish a vehicle after cleaning and rinsing.

As another example, a task attachment may be a matrix of netting that can be placed on the contact surface of the wash system. Net attachment 138 may be used in cooperation with the contact surface of the wash apparatus to create increased abrasion during agitation to remove large soiling substances such as particulates, mud or bugs. Similarly, a brush attachment 140 or a sterilized layer 142 may be selectively attached to the wash system depending on the application.

An exemplary embodiment of a wash system of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. The wash system may include wash apparatus 200 configured to receive cleaning fluid dispenser 202. Cleaning fluid dispenser 202 may be configured such that a user may depress nozzle 204 to enable targeted application of a cleaning fluid or cleaning foam to a vehicle's surface. The wash apparatus and the fluid dispenser may be used in combination as a wash system for the purpose of cleaning a desired article.

As shown, dispenser 202 may be contained in compartment 206. Compartment 206 may be disposed in any suitable arrangement relative to the wash system such that a user may trigger the dispensing of cleaning foam from the fluid dispenser. For example, compartment 206 may be positioned between a contact surface 208 and a grip surface 210 of wash the wash apparatus 200. Compartment 206 may be configured to position dispenser 202 such that the nozzle 204 is recessed from the contact surface. This configuration may prevent the nozzle of the fluid dispenser from contacting a surface of the article to be cleaned so that during cleaning the nozzle does not contact or scratch the surface of the article.

The opening of compartment 206 may be disposed along the edge of the wash apparatus. For example, the compartment may be configured to position a nozzle of the fluid dispenser flush with an edge of the wash apparatus that is perpendicular to the contact surface. This configuration may enable the nozzle of the dispenser to be positioned so as to dispense fluid between the contact surface of the wash system and surface of the article to be cleaned. The wash apparatus may include layers of internal foam around the compartment so that the fluid dispenser does not apply pressure directly to the contact surface during cleaning. The compartment may be further configured to enable a fluid dispenser to fit securely into the compartment so that the fluid dispenser does not become dislodged during use, while still allowing the dispenser to be removed for replacement.

The compartment may secure the dispenser in any suitable manner such that the dispenser is selectively secured within or to the wash system during use. For example, in some configurations, elastic may be sewn into the compartment material to retain the dispenser within the compartment. Alternatively, straps or other clasping mechanism may cover the top of the dispenser securing the dispenser in place. In some cases, the compartment may be sized such that the dispenser may be retained in the compartment by securely fitting in the compartment without a retaining mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment, dispenser 202 may be pressurized with a liquefied gas similar to an aerosol can. The dispenser may be configured to release fluid having foaming characteristics. For example, when nozzle 204 is depressed a valve may release pressure in dispenser 202 allowing the pressurized gas to push the fluid through nozzle 204, so that the fluid can rapidly expand and form bubbles, creating foam similar in consistency to shaving cream. Other dispensers may also be used. For example, pressurized foam dispensing bottles may be provided. Further, the dispenser may provide gel that may be scrubbed against a surface to be cleaned and the scrubbing agitation may create foam.

FIG. 3A schematically depicts an article to be cleaned 300, with soiling substances 302 residing on surface 304 prior to being cleaned. FIG. 3B shows surface 304, such as a vehicle surface, with cleaning foam applied to the surface using the wash system described above. Foam 306 and/or fluid bubbles created during the application of fluid onto surface 304 may provide a cleansing layer. The cleansing layer provides a cushion between the foam washing system and the surface. Foam 306 created from the dispenser or fluid bottle may be spread across surface 304. A wash apparatus may be used to agitate soiling substance 302 away from surface 304 so that soiling substances 302 may be lifted from surface 304 and may become trapped in foam 306. The cleansing layer prevents the dirt particulates from remaining along the surface. By providing such a cleansing layer, the surfaces (i.e. the contact surface of the wash system and the surface of the article being cleaned) of the foam structure may remain substantially free of the soiling substances. Further, with use of the wash apparatus or wash system, the particulates may not scrape across the surface which inhibits the surface of the article being cleaned from being scratched.

In some embodiments, the composition of the cleaning fluid may cause a reduction in friction between surfaces. The reduced friction may allow soiling substances to separate from the surface of the article and become trapped in the foam such that the soiling substances are not embedded in the contact surface of the wash system. Since the soiling substances remain trapped in the foam and friction is reduced between surfaces, there is less of a tendency for the surface to scratch during washing.

As one example method, FIG. 4 provides a flow chart 400 describing a wash process using the wash system. At step 402, water can be applied to a vehicle to rinse the surface and remove loose dirt particles. At step 404, fluid dispenser can be placed in the compartment of the wash system and positioned for cleaning of the desired surface, at 406. The contact surface of the wash system may be moistened, at step 408, and foam released from the dispenser on to the surface, as indicated by example step 410. At step 412, the surface may be agitated using the wash system to release dirt particles from the surface of the vehicle trapping the particulate in the foam. At step 414, the foam and any trapped particulate may be rinsed from the vehicle. This process may be repeated for additional washing or adjusted to include additional polishing and dry procedures. Note that in some cases, this process may be conducted without the use of waster in what may be considered a dry wash process.

Since dirt becomes trapped in the foam continual rinsing of the contact surface of the wash system may be reduced or substantially eliminated. Additionally, due to the pressurization of the cleansing fluid in the dispenser, the water content of the foam may be much lower than that of traditional soap and water solutions. Therefore, water consumption may be reduced since water need only be applied to the vehicle for rinsing purposes.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a wash system including a wash is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, wash apparatus 500 may be substantially heart-shaped. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the wash apparatus may include contact surface 502 with two lobe portions 510 and tapered portion 504. In this example, contact surface 502 may be comprised of lamb's wool or a material that simulates lamb's wool. The material may facilitate contact with the surface of an article during cleaning. The lobe portions may provide a large surface area for cleaning flat or substantially flat or smooth surfaces. In contrast, the point may be used to clean difficult to access (or narrow) regions. The edges of the lobe portions may be used to clean narrow regions or areas. Further, the shape of the example wash system may be altered by the user (such as through squeezing) to accommodate cleaning of different areas. The preformed shape of the wash system may maintain its shape while providing sufficient shape deformation to create substantial surface contact in order to accommodate cleaning of diverse areas.

Wash apparatus 500 may include compartment 506 for receiving fluid dispenser 508. Fluid dispenser 508 may be selectively removed or interchangeable with other dispensers that dispense different fluids. Fluid dispenser 508 may contain cleaning fluid and may be operated as discussed above.

The wash system of the present disclosure may utilize a variety of different grip mechanisms. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, grip mechanism may include adjustability features to enable a user to fit the wash system to their hand size.

FIG. 6 show a rear view of wash system 500 highlighting grip mechanism 610. Grip mechanism 610 includes three adjustable straps 614 that extend from the lower portion (tapered portion 504) toward the upper portion (lobe portions 510) of the rear side of the wash system. Strap(s) 614 may be adjustable to fit the hands of the user. Strip(s) 614 may be tightened and secured in place using hook and loop fasteners, e.g. VELCRO™, or any other suitable fastening or locking device. Grip mechanism 610 may include loops 616 which strap(s) 614 may be fed through to adjust and secure the straps. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the wash system may include more or less than three straps.

An alternative configuration of the grip mechanism may include a handle that protrudes from the rear side of the wash system. The handle may be configured to be gripped by a user, for example in a pistol grip configuration. Further, as another example, the handle may be configured so that each end connects to the back side of the wash system creating an arched piece in which a user could hold or slip their hand under to grasp the wash system.

Grip mechanism 610 may include waterproof layer 612 to inhibit water from seeping into the grip mechanism such that the hand of the user may remain substantially dry. Further strap(s) 514 may be made of waterproof material to facilitate dry operation. In some embodiments, layer 612 instead may be water resistant.

In addition, in some embodiments, the configuration of grip mechanism 610 may enable a user to grasp wash system 500 with either a left or a right hand. In situations requiring additional force, wash system 500 may be configured such that both hands may engage the grip mechanism.

It should be appreciated that fluid dispenser 508 may be positioned in wash system 500 such that fluid may be dispensed by using a thumb or other finger of a hand engaged in grip mechanism 610. According to this configuration, fluid may be dispensed during cleaning in a simple and straightforward manner.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, an internal layer may be disposed between the contact surface and the grip surface of the wash apparatus. The internal layer may provide additional cushion to the wash system and may disperse pressure exerted on the wash system evenly across the contact surface. The internal layer may be any sort of open-celled or closed-cell foam or other similar material. The internal lay may include compartment or receiver 506 for receiving fluid dispenser 508. Further, in some embodiments, the compartment may be made of a waterproof material. The compartment may selectively receive wash related accessories or other items that may be desired to keep try.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of fluid dispenser 508 removed from the wash apparatus. Fluid dispenser 508 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Further, fluid dispenser 508 may include nozzle 718 which may be depressed to dispense the task specific fluid. Fluid dispenser 508 may contain any suitable task specific fluid as described above with reference to FIG. 2. Note that a task specific fluid may also be used for multiple tasks.

A variety of task specific fluids or foams (shown at 230 in FIG. 2) may be provided in dispensers for use with the wash system. For example, a dispenser may be used in the wash system to apply a foamed cleaning fluid 232 for washing painted surfaces of a vehicle. After the cleaning fluid is applied, the dispenser can be removed and replaced with a dispenser with fluid 234 for cleaning wheels, tires, and other non-painted surfaces. Other task specific fluid or foams may include glass cleaner 236, polish 238 for painted surfaces and chrome, or any other substance used in vehicle-detailing applications or other cleaning applications.

While the wash system of this disclosure has been discussed primarily as a vehicle wash system, it should be noted that the present disclosure provides a wash system that is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications including cleaning of household fixtures or industrial cleaning. For instance in the bathroom, the wash system can be used to clean showers, bathtubs sink fixtures, mirrors, or toilet bowls. A set of task specific cleaning fluids may be applied for each different kind of surface. A variety of task specific attachments may also be placed on the wash system to clean different types of surfaces, for instance, using smoother attachments on surfaces where scratching may be a concern or using coarser attachments when more abrasive cleaning is desirable.

Another application for the wash system of the present disclosure is in the field of animal hygiene. The wash system can be used to wash an animal's coat. Exemplary embodiments of the wash system may differ in size and shape depending on the size of the animal that is being washed. A small wash system may be used on dogs, cats, pigs, or other small animals. A large wash system may be used on animals such as horses, cows, goats, llamas, or any other large animal. The animal washing system may include various dispensers containing fluids such as shampoo 240 or conditioner 242. The animal wash system may also include various task specific attachments, such as an attachment with bristles similar to a brush (as indicated at 140 in FIG. 1). Attachments may differ in size and surface material based on the size of the animal and the characteristics of the animal's coat.

Another application for the wash system of the present disclosure is in the field of emergency medicine and health services. For example, the wash system disclosed herein may be used to clean a wound, stop bleeding, treat a burn, or apply relief ointments or the like. Similarly, the wash system may be used in health service environments, to aid in cleansing bed-ridden or disabled patients. An exemplary embodiment may include sterilized, removable attachments 142 that may be disposable. Any suitable fluid or foam dispenser may be provided, including, but not limited to, dispensers for cleaning, such as foam cleanser, disinfectants 244, blood coagulants 246, burn gels 248, etc.

Another exemplary embodiment of the wash system of the present disclosure may include a contact surface with cleaning extension, such as bristles, similar to that of a mop or broom. The contact surface of the wash system may be impregnated with cleansing solution. The cleansing solution may be retained in a dry or solid form which upon wetting the contact surface causes activation of the cleaning solution. In some embodiments, the cleansing solution may be activated through pressure, such that the cleansing solution is provided in gel caps which with pressure release the cleansing solution onto the wash system.

Similar to the above described embodiments, the fluid dispenser and wash system may be task specific for one time use. For example, a wash system may be selectively disposable. In some embodiments, the wash system may include an fluid impregnated in the contact surface and the wash system may be used until the cleansing solution is extruded from the contact surface of the wash system. The wash system may be disposed of accordingly after the fluid is extruded from the cleaning surface. Depending on the extent of the task, a wash system may be used once or more before the cleansing solution is exhausted.

The wash system of the present embodiment may be used to wash a vehicle in a manner similar to the above described examples. Moreover, such a system may be applicable to large vehicles, such as recreational vehicles. As an example, for use, a vehicle may be rinsed to remove loose dirt particles. The wash system may be moistened and applied to the surface of the vehicle. Through agitation and pressure on the contact surface of the wash system foam may produced from the cleansing solution impregnated in the contact surface. The foam can be applied via the wash system to remove the remaining dirt particles from the vehicle. Finally, the foam can be rinsed from the surface of the vehicle.

The wash system may also have household or industrial applications, such as, but not limited to, mopping floor or wall surfaces or washing windows. Since the wash system can be impregnated with cleaning fluid, less water can be consumed compared to traditional mops that require continuous rinsing and reapplication of cleaning fluid.

An optional extension may be added to the wash system to clean areas at extended distances. For example, the extension may be added to clean the roof of a vehicle, or to clean areas of a large vehicle such as a recreational vehicle. The extension may also be used when cleaning exterior windows of a home or any other area that is located at a distance.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and the below described claims may be related to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements 

1. A wash apparatus comprising: a body including a contact surface to contact an article to be cleaned and a gripping surface grippable by a user; wherein the body includes at least one lobe portion and at least one tapered portion; and wherein the gripping surface includes a grip mechanism for securing a hand of the user to the wash apparatus.
 2. The wash apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a compartment configured to selectively receive a fluid dispenser operable by the hand of the user to dispense fluid to the contact surface.
 3. The wash apparatus of claim 2 wherein the compartment positions a nozzle of the fluid dispenser recessed from the contact surface.
 4. The wash apparatus of claim 2 wherein the compartment is configured to facilitate access from the edge of the wash apparatus to the fluid dispenser such that the fluid dispenser may be selectively removed from the wash apparatus.
 5. The wash apparatus of claim 2 wherein a nozzle of the fluid dispenser is positioned to be triggered by a thumb of the hand of the user when the hand is secured in the grip mechanism.
 6. The wash apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid dispenser dispenses foam cleaning fluid.
 7. The wash apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid dispenser includes a selectively disposable canister of fluid.
 8. The wash apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a waterproof layer disposed on the gripping surface of the wash apparatus.
 9. The wash apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one tapered portion tapers to a point.
 10. The wash apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a removably coupled task attachment that extends across at least a portion of the contact surface of the wash apparatus.
 11. A wash system comprising: a wash apparatus including a contact surface to contact an article to be cleaned, a gripping surface grippable by a user, and a receiver for receiving a fluid dispenser; the fluid dispenser configured to dispense foaming fluid onto the contact surface; and a user grip mechanism located on the grip surface configured to receive a hand of a user to grip the wash apparatus.
 12. The wash system of claim 11 wherein the fluid dispenser is positioned to facilitate access from an edge of the wash apparatus that is perpendicular to the contact surface such that the fluid dispenser may be selectively removed from the wash apparatus.
 13. The wash system of claim 11 wherein a nozzle of the fluid dispenser is positioned recessed from the contact surface.
 14. The wash system of claim 11 wherein the grip mechanism is selectively adjustable to secure the hand of the user to the grip mechanism.
 15. The wash system of claim 11 wherein the wash apparatus includes at least one lobe portion and at least one tapered portion.
 16. A wash apparatus comprising: a contact surface to engage a surface to be cleaned; a grip surface grippable by the hand of a user; and a compartment for securing a fluid dispenser configured to dispense fluid to the contact surface responsive to being triggered by a user of the wash system.
 17. The wash apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: a grip mechanism disposed on the grip surface and configured to receive a hand of the user.
 18. The wash apparatus of claim 16 wherein the fluid dispenser includes a selectively disposable canister that dispenses foam.
 19. The wash apparatus of claim 16 wherein the compartment is configured to position a nozzle of the fluid dispenser flush with an edge of the wash apparatus that is perpendicular to the contact surface.
 20. The wash apparatus of claim 16 wherein the contact surface is configured to selectively receive a task attachment that extends across at least a portion of the contact surface of the wash apparatus. 